Program

The possible future of the sector, presented through a tasting of rare local varieties from Italy and Spain, and the international experience of the BAWP under the Erasmus+ program

A team from the Bulgarian Association of Wine Professionals will present some of the projects the association has worked on over the past three years. They will introduce us to good examples from Italy and Spain, from which the Bulgarian wine sector can draw valuable experience and ideas. This includes various sustainable models of training and community building. The focus will be on the concept of regenerative tourism and how the regenerative power of wine is used; and how wine plays the role of an ambassador for the region and a main pillar of the communities that are built around it, for art, architecture, and education. The good examples will be illustrated with a tasting of rare local varieties from Italy and Spain.

Wines to be tasted:
Vigneti Repetto Derthona Quadro Timorasso 2023
Cincinnato Quinto Bellone Lazio IGT 2023
Marco Carpineti Moro 2023
Petites Estones Garnacha Blanca 2023
Adriano Langhe DOC Freisa Lice 2022
Piedefermo Cesanese 2024

A wine’s aroma and taste are the ultimate expressions of its origin and varietal character – yet faults can distort this expression. But do they always? Sulphur may smell like hell, but rubber is not always the wine’s enemy, wrote Yassen Borislavov in an article on mercaptans some years ago. Wet cardboard, boiled cabbage, or stable-like notes are commonly associated with specific faults in wine.
This expert masterclass focuses on the sensory manifestations of faults in a wine’s colour, aroma, and taste, along with their origins and causes: microorganisms, chemical and biochemical processes, and environmental influences. The discussion will explore how much these faults change a wine’s sensory profile and the strategies available to prevent or fix them.
The goal is to learn how to accurately identify and describe wine faults. Comparative tasting remains the most effective way to do this. Participants will experience a set of aroma references that demonstrate common faults found in different wine styles.
The masterclass is ideal for wine professionals of all experience levels and advanced wine enthusiasts who have a strong interest in sensory evaluation and a critical perspective on wine quality.

The ticket for the master class also grants you access to the main exhibition hall on the day of the master class.
The ticket for the master class also grants you access to the main exhibition hall on the day of the master class.

Over the past two decades, Syrah has emerged as one of the Sakar region's most distinctive and emblematic grape varieties. Syrah has found its natural home in this southern corner of Bulgaria, expressing the local terroir with remarkable power, depth, and elegance.

The ticket for the master class also grants you access to the main exhibition hall on the day of the master class.

Together with Asen Tzekov from Vino Orenda and representatives of the Wines of Sakar Association, you will have the opportunity to explore the many faces of Sakar Syrah — to trace the style and signature of six independent producers from the region, all working exclusively with grapes from their own vineyards.

To highlight what makes the Sakar terroir unique, we will conduct the blind tasting alongside three other outstanding Syrah wines from different regions of Bulgaria.

The tasting will be structured as a game: participants will try to identify which wines come from Sakar. Detailed information about each wine will only be given at the end of the blind tasting — before that, you’ll only know the vintage and aging details.

Through this engaging format, we will seek to answer:
👉 What makes Sakar Syrah different?
👉 What are the defining features of the Sakar terroir?
👉 And finally — does it have the potential to rival international Syrah from both the Old and New Worlds?

We challenge you: taste, guess, and win!

Identify all six Sakar Syrah correctly and win exquisite wine rewards!

The ticket for the master class also grants you access to the main exhibition hall on the day of the master class.

In the world of wine, everyone knows about wine – but few know how to tell its story.
You don’t need a huge budget to stand out. All you need is a compelling story — and the right way to tell it.
The creative agency Fresh Cut helps wineries gain the attention they deserve.
In this lecture on digital marketing and wine, you will learn:
• How wineries can build a strong digital presence without spending a fortune;
• How to turn Instagram, Facebook, and Google into real sales — not just likes;
• How to speak in a way that pleases the algorithm, yet truly resonates with the people behind the screens.

The ticket for the master class also grants you access to the main exhibition hall on the day of the master class.

This masterclass aims not only to showcase some of the most intriguing and refined white wines from Northeastern Bulgaria, but also to convey a sense of style, terroir, and character. Aneliya Hristakieva – an established and talented oenologist – will strive to show the balance between tradition and modernity in the Northeast, which is truly the kingdom of white Bulgarian wines.
The ticket for the master class also grants you access to the main exhibition hall on the day of the master class.
Wines to be tasted:
Odessos Dimyat Single Vineyard 2024
deVina Dimyat 2023
Clos Bibliotheque Dimyat 2023
Staro Oryahovo Epic Tamyanka 2024
Salla Estate Vrachanski Misket 2024
Chateau Boshnakov Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Salla Estate Chardonnay Barrel Aged 2023
Salla Estate Riesling 2016

There are professionals like Nikos Karatzas, born to ignite in everyone a passion for native and authentic wine, which brings immense pleasure!
The master class is dedicated to the history, potential, character, and style of local grape varieties from neighboring Greece. Together with Nikos, we will taste and explore Xinomavro, Malagouzia, Vidiano, Assyrtiko, and other authentic Greek varieties, including a special surprise among them. Sampling wines from different producers and terroirs, presented by Nikos Karatzas, will take us to Greece and its modern and sustainable winemaking art.

The Wines by Siro Pacenti are distinguished by their:
Precision – Everything is done at precisely the right moment. In collaboration with Yves Glories from the University of Bordeaux, Giancarlo Pacenti has long explored the pursuit of perfect phenolic ripeness in Sangiovese.
Elegance – Giancarlo Pacenti has mastered the art of taming power, refining it, and transforming it into pure expression.
Individuality – If you want to taste an exciting wine, taste Siro Pacenti, says Antonio Galloni, one of Italy’s most respected wine critics.
For several consecutive years, Siro Pacenti’s wines have been featured among Italy’s Top 100, while multiple vintages of Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne and Premium Brunello PS have earned the coveted 100 points from leading international critics.
With Dr. Cristian Maddalena, you will discover five of Siro Pacenti’s most emotional creations — including three exceptional vintages of the iconic Vecchie Vigne.
Wines to be tasted:
Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2022
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Pelagrilli 2019
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Vecchie Vigne 2018
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Vecchie Vigne 2017
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Vecchie Vigne 2016

In this morning's lecture at DiVino.Taste, the renowned coffee hunter and specialty coffee expert, Yordan Dabov, will take us on a journey through the history of coffee—from its discovery and the first coffeehouses in Rome, Trieste, and Vienna, to its integration into Bulgarian culture. He will also draw an intriguing parallel between coffee and wine, emphasizing the similarities and differences between these two great beverages. Additionally, we will learn how perceptions of coffee and appreciation of its flavors have evolved over the past decade and continue to do so. The session will end with a brief tasting.

In this masterclass, we will explore the dynamic world of Polish wine – one of Europe's most exciting emerging regions. The session will focus on the country’s energetic growth, the latest trends shaping its wine scene, and the innovative ways grape varieties are being adapted to Poland’s unique climatic conditions. We will also examine the modern winemaking techniques and fresh marketing approaches that are helping Polish producers build their identity and connect with local consumers.
Seven wines will be tasted, each representative of contemporary Polish production in terms of stylistic diversity and quality.
Janton Sparkling Rosé Dom Janton n.v.
Kojder Souvignier Gris 2023
Turnau Solaris 2024
Kosmos Wenus Qvevri Gewurztraminer 2024
Moderna Pinot Noir 2023
Kamil Barczentewicz Dobre Modre Blaufränkisch 2022

In recent years, Portugal has become a serious player on the natural wine scene. Excellent terroir, local varieties, old vines, and complete dedication to nature make the country a cornucopia of wine. Lisbon is a particularly bright star, giving its name to one of Portugal's most exciting wine regions.
The class will show in depth the diversity of local varieties from the Atlantic coast and, presenting respected names from the world of wine, will aim not only to provide a good introduction to this region, but also to introduce the idea of biodynamics.
Wine to be tasted:
Serradinha Touriga Nacional Rosé Sparkling 2022
Montalto Pim Pam Pum Curtimenta Fernao Pires 2022
COZs vp-Vital 2023
Serradinha Arinto e Fernão Pires
Serra Oca Moscatel Graúdo 2022
COZs Pop red 2023
Serradinha Castelão